60, taking half steps down the stairs

[Anonymous]

I don't know why. I feel fine when I walk. I can walk miles and try to do so, or hike, every other day at least. Lately when I go down the stairs at home it is hard to go down normally. This is after lying in bed for a while. I'm taking half steps, putting both feet on a step before taking the next one. I guess it's because I'm getting old, and that's OK, but you all are pretty sharp so I'm throwing it out there in case you have any thoughts. Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

Why are you doing this? Are you afraid of falling because of balance issues? Do you worry your legs don't have enough strength? Can you see the stairs well enough? Are you anxious in any way? Are your legs stiff?

Please talk with your doctor about this, OP. My mother has been doing this for age, but she has Multiple Sclerosis, and I don't think you should worry about that at your age. My in-laws started doing this because of Parkinson's.

[Anonymous]

I was wondering about balance issues, too. My husband has vertigo from a concussion and his PT told him to do this. He especially has dizziness when he first wakes up.

It's normal to lose some balance as you grow older, if this is what it is. But there are exercises you can do to regain it.

[Anonymous]

Are you stiff? Do you have other symptoms? Go to your doctor, or if you have other symptoms related to Parkinson’s, see a neurologist. My mom has Parkinson’s. I saw something in 2002 and did not say anything. I am not a doctor, but Parkinson’s crossed my mind when I saw her having difficulty getting out of the car. She was diagnosed in 2010. Wish I said something. She is 64 now and barely mobile, you might just might be getting older...but pay attention to your movement. What you describe could be a medical issue lurking.

[Anonymous]

I've been doing that because my knees are going bad. My right knee can't bear my full weight when it's bent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been doing that because my knees are going bad. My right knee can't bear my full weight when it's bent.

Same here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Why are you doing this? Are you afraid of falling because of balance issues? Do you worry your legs don't have enough strength? Can you see the stairs well enough? Are you anxious in any way? Are your legs stiff?

Please talk with your doctor about this, OP. My mother has been doing this for age, but she has Multiple Sclerosis, and I don't think you should worry about that at your age. My in-laws started doing this because of Parkinson's.

I'm doing this because my legs are weak at that time. I'll see a doctor if it doesn't improve. Thank you all for your great feedback.

[Anonymous]

I'm 44, and I do this sometimes because I get a sharp pain when my weight is on one bent knee. For me eating more calcium containing foods helps.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a parent who has osteoporosis? I don’t do what you are describing, but I tend to be very cautious because my mom has osteoporosis. I have had bone density scans and don’t (as of the last test) have osteopenia or osteoporosis, but I still don’t wanna fall. I avoid biking riding, ice skating, etc. I also often hang on to stair railings even though I have no problem with climbing stairs.

[Anonymous]

I do it because I have bad knees and it hurts. I plan my trips up and down stairs as if I'm about to tackle Mt Everest.

I also hang onto the stair railings, because I fall a lot.

Cannot wait to move to a house or apartment without stairs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do it because I have bad knees and it hurts. I plan my trips up and down stairs as if I'm about to tackle Mt Everest.

I also hang onto the stair railings, because I fall a lot.

Cannot wait to move to a house or apartment without stairs.

Me, too!

[Anonymous]

Take B12 vitamins every day OP. I have do the same thing and walk at least 5 miles a day and swim most days as well. My DH makes fun of me because I have always been fast/fit

[Anonymous]

Sounds like possible balance concerns for you. That and subconsciously knowing that falling as we get older has a lot of other ramifications such as broken bones etc, so you end up moving slower just because you're being more careful in general.

[Anonymous]

Going up is a problem for me, but I just plow into it. My house has a lot of stairs.

[Anonymous]

I do this when my plantar fasciitis kicks in a bit. Classic sign of it is pain going down stairs first thing in the morning....